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WITH STEVE ADUBATO

Steve Adubato, PhD., is an Emmy Award–winning anchor for Thirteen/WNET (PBS) and NJTV (PBS) who regularly appears on the Today show, Fox 5 in
New York and WOR 710 and other New York-based radio stations. His newest book, You Are the Brand, examines the brand strategies of more than 30
individuals and companies. For more information log on to stand-deliver.com. Find Steve on Facebook at Facebook.com/SteveAdubatoPHD.

From Devastation,Compassion

Colts Neck volunteers come through
for neighbors in Union Beach.

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PHOTO:DEBRALROTHENBERG/GETTYIMAGESthrough the generosity ofteam members Wade Mar-tin and Chris Placitella, alsohas provided legal assis-tance and logistics supportto build pre-manufactured,hurricane-proof, solar-powered homes to replace the homes thatwere demolished. “It took us awhile, but thecommunity affairs group from MonmouthCounty now has approved these houses tobe built.” The contracts have been signedand the homes are underway.OPC relies on dedicated volunteers likeJim Davis, a Colts Neck resident who gotinvolved along with his twin brother andhis t win daughters. “In the beginning, wewere sweeping sand away from the drainsso they didn’t get clogged, but I knew Iwanted to do more,” says Davis. “I foundthe best thing to do was to get aligned withthe paid contractors and builders thatwere doing the work, whether restoringa house or building a new structure fromthe ground up. It is really a heartening ex-perience. I met people from all over thecountry that were there to help.” The workhas an upside for Davis too. “You can’t be-lieve how many friends I made from UnionBeach that I wouldn’t have ever met.”Sfayer says OPC’s targeted giving canbe a model for the ongoing Sandy recovery.“You can make more impact focusing onone area rather than the whole Shore,” hesays. “The partnership model speeds up atown’s recovery and gets funds directly tothe people.” He reports that volunteers inHolmdel have similarly partnered to aidKeansburg.OPC’s partners include local churches,church-based youth groups, Cub ScoutsTroop 290, Colts Neck Business Associa-tion, the Colts Neck Women’s Club andother community organizations. Duringthe holidays, Christmas stockings and giftswere delivered to Union Beach familiestemporarily housed at Fort Monmouth.OPC’s slogan—“One town can make adifference. Every town should try”—saysit all. We are inspired by the compassionand commitment that these Colts Neckvolunteers, and others like them, haveshown for their neighbors in need. ;

UNION BEACH IS A SMALL COMMUNITY
ofmodest, single-family homes—many of
which are primary residences. Located
on the Raritan Bay between Keyport and
Keansburg, Union Beach was ravaged in
October 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. The superstorm wrecked some 270 homes and
damaged hundreds of others, while also
battering businesses, schools and municipal facilities.

As in other hard-hit Shore towns,
Union Beach residents are still swamped in
the complexity and confusion of applying
for FEMA relief, insurance payments and
potential loans and grants. Many residents
have given up on being compensated.

Yet from this devastation, extraordinary stories of volunteerism have arisen.
These stories range from isolated tales of
heroism to ongoing community efforts
such as that undertaken by Operation
Provide Comfort (OPC), a Colts Neck-based volunteer organization aiding the
recovery in Union Beach.

“Operation Provide Comfort enlistsprivate donations, community organiza-tions and corporations to provide materi-als or funds to rebuild homes,” says Lieu-tenant Colonel James Sfayer. A Colts Neckresident and retired U.S. Marine, Sfayerconceived of OPC to help his neighborseight miles to the north. The group hasdeveloped a strong network of volunteersand supporters, raising more than $62,000for the relief effort through events and do-nations. Sfayer says 100 percent of fundsraised goes to Union Beach. “I have actu-ally turned away sponsors that refused toagree to 100 percent,” he says. “And we ex-pect the partnership to go on for years. It’snot a short-term project.”Sfayer’s team meets every two weekswith the leaders of Union Beach to discussthe town’s needs. If someone needs Sheet-rock or heating fuel, OPC will cut a checkfor it. The key, says Sfayer, is providinghomeowners with what they actually need.It’s a simple yet profound approach. OPC,